I'm worried about the MMR Booster...

Ive just had an appointment in the post, for DS2s MMR Booster. This is scaring the actual life out of me because, a few months ago, he had an anaphylactic reaction to egg.

I know one poster's DC (maybe Freefrommum?) had a reaction to the booster jab. Has anyone else got a DC who's severely allergic to egg and can share their experience of the MMR booster?

Also, this is difficult to explain, but...I just have a horrible feeling about it. Like, I can't imagine myself taking him to the docs and having them do this to him. Like I would be taking him to danger. I haven't felt as strongly as this about other vaccs.

My ds had his mmr & all was fine. Where I live they used to give it in hospital if egg allergy but this was no longer the case when ds had his. My gp seemed as nervous as me giving it but he had what he needed for an emergency beside him. I totally understand how you are feeling. My ds is 3 & I dread the preschool booster of mmr even though no reaction to 1st one.

Hi Likeaninjanow, yes it was my DS who had a reaction to the 2nd MMR jab however it was only hives and we had his epi-pens standing by but he had no breathing difficulties or any other symptoms. I was quite surprised that he reacted though as I was assured that it was totally safe even for the most severely allergic and that there was no need for it to be done in hospital. The health visitor was totally freaked out and running around like a headless chicken! DS has never actually eaten egg but comes out in hives on contact with raw egg and his blood test result for egg was in the extremely high category. Despite the fact that DS had a reaction, I would still recommend having the MMR as I believe the risk from MMR is far worse than the risk of an allergic reaction, especially given that there would be epi-pens or adrenaline standing by.

DS has just had his 2nd MMR in hospital over the summer - all was fine but yes we were anxious ... we had had various differing views from nurses/GPs about whether they would or would not do it so finally after about 18 months got sent to hospital

FWIW I understand that reactions are more common to the second dose than the first - I think that serious reactions are not common though. I would ask for it to be done in a hospital setting tbh

Our DD is also severely allergic to eggs (epipens required) but she was com,etely fine with both MMR injections. I agree that the risk from measles is much higher than the risk from the jab. And if you are worried then go with the advise of having it in a hospital setting. The GP was in the room when DD had her first one with epipens out ready, but she was completely fine luckily. Good luck.

We're going to be in the same boat in about 9 months, I feel very nervous about DD having the MMR booster shot. She reacted to the first one, though at the time we didn't know about her egg allergy, so looking back think it was probably because of the egg. I don't know what the HV/GP/nurse will say if I ask to have it done in hospital. It is very worrying, I feel for you OP, it feels so wrong to take them to have something done that can make them ill.

Thanks for all the advice. I've cancelled the appointment and am going to meet with my GP to discuss it before I make another one. I'd much prefer it be done in the hospital, just to be on the safe side.

Fwiw I looked into egg free single vaccines which are apparently avail in India. I was ptold that they do not travel well and so not v good (told this by private clinic btw! Ie they were trying to get me to have it done there ...)

I know I am a bit late but DD is allergic (not epipens) to eggs, mainly GI upset and eczema. The first MMR was given before she was diagnosed but it also coincided with her having reflux and constant vomiting so I will never know if the first jab reacted.

The booster was given under nurse supervision and we had to stay there for a few hours with no reaction. However, that night in the bath I thought she had gained a few pounds (usually skinny) but then I realised her whole skin had a raised rash, literally puffed up everywhere. I gave Piraton and monitored her and she was fine but I am convinced it was the booster.

Like you, I know she had to be protected but looking back i wish I had pushed harder for better care as it worried me witless and my DD is only allergic not anaphylactic.